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Prenatal Care

Immunizations and Pregnancy

The CDC currently recommends pregnant women receive both the Tdap vaccine and (inactive) Flu vaccine. If you have any concerns regarding receiving the vaccines, please discuss the issue with your physician at any of your appointments.

Medications During Pregnancy

The following medications may be used by you without having to notify our office:

Acetaminophen, or extra-strength acetaminophen; may be used if you have a low grade fever, aches, pains or headaches

Robitussin or Robitussin DM; may be used if you have a cold or cough

Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec; may be used for allergy relief

Sudafed; should NOT BE TAKEN until you are at least 14 weeks pregnant.

Mylanta, Maalox, Tums; may be used to relieve indigestion

Senokot, Colace, Metamucil, Fibercon; may be used to relieve constipation. You may also try to add dried fruits or fiber to your diet.

Do Not Use Advil, aspirin, or over-the-counter Ibuprofen preparations unless instructed to do so by your provider.

Please call the office concerning any other medications.

Diet

You may need to eat small frequent meals during the first few weeks of your pregnancy. Be sure to eat healthy snacks in between these meals. However, please remember that if you were a healthy weight before your pregnancy, you should gain between 20 and 25 pounds during your pregnancy. To achieve this goal, you should only increase your caloric intake by 200 calories each day (weight gain in a twin pregnancy should be approximately 40 pounds).

Try to consume at least four to five servings of dairy products per day if possible (low fat if you desire) to ensure adequate calcium in your diet. You may use supplemental calcium such as Tums, Os-Cal, etc. Also, it is recommended that you consume 12 ounces of fish per week. Artificial sweeteners are permitted, but in moderation. Caffeine can be consumed in limited quantities, 1-2 servings daily.

Alcohol, Smoking and Drug Use

Alcohol should be avoided completely during pregnancy as it has been linked to mental retardation, learning disabilities, and birth defects. Pregnant women should also avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke as it deprives the fetus of oxygen. This can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage and low birth weight babies. Illegal drugs should also be avoided completely during pregnancy. If any of these substances are a problem for you, please feel comfortable talking to your physician or one of the nurses.

Exercise

Studies have shown that it is helpful to exercise during pregnancy, and that exercise may decrease the amount of time spent pushing during labor. To ensure you don’t overdo it, be sure you can carry on a conversation comfortably while exercising. Always remember to warm up and cool down as a part of any exercise regimen, and be sure to stay well hydrated. Walking, swimming and stationary bicycling are the best forms of cardiovascular exercise.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Classes and Events

Abington Hospital offers multiple classes to help you prepare for pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. Visit the Maternity Education page for information, complete listing and registration for all classes designed to meet the needs of expectant parents.

Paint

When painting, remember to ventilate the area and use only latex paint. Stay off ladders once you are in the middle of your second trimester.

Travel

You are allowed to fly if there have been no problems with your pregnancy. You should not fly after 35 weeks except for family emergencies. You may wish to limit car rides to one hour once you reach 37 weeks.

Dental Hygiene

Practice good dental hygiene. You should have normal checks at the dentist but may not have Lidocaine with Epinephrine. You should be double- shielded when having X-rays.

What is a Patient Centered Medical Home?

A patient-centered medical home puts you, our patient, at the center of the healthcare team, to ensure that we always meet your expectations for high quality medical care. Our team, led by your primary care clinician, will coordinate all aspects of your health care, using the latest medical and information technologies. There is an enhanced focus on prevention to improve your health, and if you develop a chronic disease, begin early, effective treatment interventions. Our relationship with you will be based on trust, respect and shared decision-making.